Senior Chief Petty Officer Elza “Al” Elwood Starr, USN Retired, died in the name of Our Lord Sunday, July 25, 2004, at 5:17 p.m., at Providence Everett Medical Center surrounded by his wife, Vicki Madeja Starr, children and relatives. A memorial and Mass was held July 30 at Bothel Funeral Homes. After the mass he was buried with full military honor at Tahoma National Cemetery in Kent.

Senior Chief Starr served the Navy for more than 27 years. Among his many honors he was a Sand Point Naval Air Station Sailor of the Year in 1973. Senior Chief Starr was born Jan. 2, 1933, in St. Claire Shores, Mich., to Earl Forrest Starr and Irma Folk of Indiana. He attended Davison High School in Davison, Mich., and left school his senior year to enlist in the Navy to serve his country. He was a World War II, Korean and Vietnam Veteran. When poor health no longer allowed him to serve his country, he went to Skagit Valley College and earned a degree in auto body and small engine repairs.

He is survived by his wife Vicki Madeja Starr; daughters Catherine Fredriks of Kent, Susanne Wilson of Snohomish, Diane Jensen of Davison, Mich., Stephanie McClure of Flint, Mich., Dorothy Starr Standaert of Normandy Park; sons Timothy Starr of Flint, Mich., and Ver Andrew Madeja Starr of Oak Harbor; sons-in-law Robert Fredriks, Anthony Wilson, Danny McClure, Lucas Standaert; daughter-in-law Ranee Starr; brothers Earl Starr, Jr. of California and Eugene Starr of Davison, Mich.; sisters-in-law, Joyce Starr of California, Onelee and Hazel Starr of Davison, Mich., and Doris Folk of Pennsylvania. He is also survived by 21 grandchildren, five great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. Senior Chief Starr was preceded in death by his parents and brothers Gayle Folk and Eldon Starr.

Memorial Mass for Senior Chief Starr will be held Saturday, August 7, at 9 a.m. in St. Augustine Catholic Church, Oak Harbor.